A GUIDE TO HEALTHY PREGNANCY MANAGING AILMENTS AND FINDING SOLUTIONS

A_Guide_to_Healthy_Pregnancy

A GUIDE TO OVERCOMING PREGNANCYRELATED DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

Çağseli Göksu Özgün Selçuk

İstanbul Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, İstanbul, Türkiye

Özgün Selçuk ÇG. A Guide to Overcoming Pregnancy-Related Depression and Anxiety. Çetin A, ed. A Guide to Healthy Pregnancy: Managing Ailments And Finding Solutions. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.111-122.

ABSTRACT

Being pregnant is a time with both physical and psychological changes that may sometimes worsen or contribute to mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. These conditions (antenatal or pregnancy-related depression and anxiety) are present in a significant proportion of expectant mothers. Though prevalent, these mental health disorders are often underdiagnosed, which can have detrimental consequences for both maternal and fetal health. In this chapter, a holistic model of identification, evaluation, and treatment for pregnancy-related depression and anxiety is presented. This chapter emphasizes the importance of evidence-based psychotherapeutic, pharmacological, lifestyle, and social support interventions in the therapeutic management of these disorders. This chapter also provides an updated review of the evidence regarding associations between maternal mental health and pregnancy outcome. While earlier studies indicate associations with preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal outcomes, recent studies suggest that maternal depression and anxiety do not significantly influence the occurrence of specific outcomes such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, placental abruption, gestational age and fetal growth restriction, and neonatal intensive care unit admission. Focus on mental health not only is an important goal for improving maternal well-being, but also for achieving positive pregnancy and birth outcomes. This chapter is a guide for health care providers to provide integrated care that promotes optimal mental and physical health for mother and child.

Keywords: Pregnancy; Depression; Anxiety; Psychotherapy; Mental health

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